France can cope without Benzema and Valbuena

France can cope without Benzema and Valbuena - Deschamps

The Real Madrid attacker has been embroiled in the scandal involving an alleged blackmail attempt on his compatriot, but the coach insists they can still win

Didier Deschamps is confident France can cope without Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena in their friendlies with Germany and England.

The Real Madrid striker was charged last week over an alleged attempt to blackmail Lyon playmaker Valbuena using a sex tape, though Benzema's lawyer has persistently denied his involvement.

Benzema, who is also struggling with a hamstring injury, was not included in the latest France squad, while Valbuena was also omitted as Deschamps claimed he was not "psychologically ready" though he was involved in Lyon's 3-0 win over Saint-Etienne on Sunday.

Asked whether France might suffer from the duo's absence, Deschamps said: "I don't think so. I have confidence in the 23 players I've selected. As the players know, the most important thing is the group.

"I never have any regrets. You can't live with regrets and move forward. When I make decisions, I stick with them."

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